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CHILDREN • ADULTS • FAMILIES
Remote
Autism Assessment
At Nuvirtis, we walk alongside you and your family throughout the assessment process. Our Autism Assessment is designed for children, teenagers and adults who require a comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment to explore an ASD diagnosis under DSM-5 criteria.
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ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
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AUTISM
Understanding
Autism
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Symptoms of
Autism in Children & Adults
AUTISM
Physical symptoms
Autism often shows up in how people move and respond to their physical environment. You might notice repetitive movements like hand flapping, rocking, or spinning - these aren't just habits, they're often ways of self-regulating when feeling overwhelmed or excited. Many autistic people also have very specific sensory needs - they might cover their ears in noisy places, avoid certain textures in clothing or food, or seek out particular sensations like deep pressure.
Sleep problems are incredibly common, with many struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. Coordination can be affected too - some people have difficulty with fine motor skills like handwriting, or gross motor skills like riding a bike. You might also see unusual responses to pain or temperature - either being overly sensitive or seemingly not noticing things that would bother most people.
Emotional & Mental
Emotionally, autism often means feeling things very intensely. Changes to routine can trigger significant distress - what might seem like a minor schedule change to others can feel catastrophic to someone with autism. Social situations are exhausting because there's so much conscious effort required to read facial expressions, understand tone of voice, and figure out unwritten social rules that everyone else seems to know instinctively.
Many autistic people experience high levels of anxiety, especially in unpredictable situations or when forced to suppress their natural behaviors to fit in. Depression is also common, particularly when people feel misunderstood or isolated. On the flip side, when engaged with their special interests, autistic individuals often show remarkable focus, creativity, and expertise that neurotypical people rarely achieve.
When to seek an evaluation
Consider an evaluation if you're noticing patterns that consistently impact daily life or relationships. For children, this might be difficulty making friends, intense reactions to changes in routine, or being overwhelmed by sensory input like loud noises or scratchy clothes. For adults, it's often about finally understanding lifelong struggles - if you've always felt like you're working harder than everyone else just to navigate social situations or daily life.
Don't wait for things to become crisis-level. If you're constantly exhausted from masking or pretending to be neurotypical, if meltdowns are happening regularly, or if family members have suggested autism might explain some behaviors, it's worth exploring. An evaluation can provide valuable insight regardless of the outcome, and understanding your neurotype can be life-changing in terms of self-acceptance and finding effective strategies.
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, process sensory information, and navigate social interactions. It's a lifelong neurological difference that appears in early childhood, though many people aren't diagnosed until much later in life, particularly women and those who learn to mask their traits effectively.
People with autism often have intense interests in specific topics, prefer predictable routines, and may process sensory input differently than neurotypical individuals. These characteristics can significantly impact daily life, relationships, and work or educational experiences. Understanding and support can dramatically improve quality of life for autistic individuals.
Common forms of Autism
Autistic Disorder: This is what most people think of when they hear "autism" - significant challenges with communication and social interaction, often with delayed language development. These individuals may have very focused interests and find social situations particularly difficult. They typically need ongoing support with daily activities and navigating the world around them.
Asperger's Syndrome: People with Asperger's usually have normal or even superior intelligence and develop language on schedule, but they struggle with the subtleties of social interaction - things like reading facial expressions, understanding sarcasm, or knowing when someone wants to end a conversation. They often become experts in their areas of interest.
What are the root causes of Autism?
Autism in adults and children is the same neurological condition, though it may present differently across age groups and individuals. Research shows that autism is primarily genetic - if one child in a family has autism, siblings have a significantly higher chance of also being autistic. However, no single gene causes autism; it appears to result from complex interactions between multiple genetic factors.
Environmental factors during pregnancy may also contribute, including advanced parental age, certain pregnancy complications, or prenatal infections. What's clear is that autism is not caused by vaccines, parenting styles, or environmental toxins as once believed. The condition affects people across all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, though diagnostic bias has historically led to underidentification in girls and minorities.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Insight that
moves you forward.
Gold-standard
Evaluation framework
Complementary consultation
Your autism assessment begins with a comprehensive phone consultation where you and/or your child can discuss experiences openly. We conduct thorough evaluations that focus on understanding your social communication patterns, how you process sensory information, and any behavioral characteristics that may indicate autism spectrum traits. This includes exploring how you navigate social interactions, respond to changes in routine, and engage with particular interests.
Our remote assessment approach allows you to participate from a familiar environment, which can be particularly helpful for individuals who experience sensory sensitivities or feel anxious in clinical settings. This comfortable setting often facilitates more natural communication and behavior, leading to a more accurate assessment for both adults and children.
Clinical Assessment
Following the initial screening, if autism seems likely, we move on to a more in-depth evaluation. Your clinician will take time to understand your medical and family history, looking for patterns that might not have been noticed before. This includes talking about early development, social and communication experiences, sensory preferences, and how you or your child navigate relationships, routines, and day-to-day life.
We know that autism can show up in different ways depending on age, personality, and environment. Many adults come to realise that things they’ve struggled with for years may be linked to autism rather than personal faults. Parents often spot similar traits in their children. This thorough evaluation helps us build a clear picture of your experiences, all through secure and flexible remote appointments.
Diagnostic Report and further recommendations
After completing our comprehensive assessment, your clinician will discuss whether the findings indicate autism. For many people, receiving this diagnosis brings tremendous relief and clarity - lifelong experiences that seemed confusing or difficult finally have context and explanation. Parents often describe it as gaining a new lens through which to understand their child's unique perspectives and needs.
We approach autism as a neurological difference, not a condition requiring treatment. Our focus shifts to identifying practical adjustments that can improve daily functioning and quality of life. This might include workplace modifications, environmental changes to reduce sensory overwhelm, or developing communication strategies that align with natural processing styles. For children, we emphasize building on inherent strengths while teaching skills to navigate social and educational environments more effectively.
AUTISM
Eliminate the stress of long commutes, waiting lists, busy offices and unfamiliar environments.
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Connect with your provider via online video conference to talk about your concerns, discuss your goals, and receive a comprehensive clinical diagnosis.
Initial Assessment
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Your provider will walk you through different evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication options, or a combination of both.
Explore treatment options
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Meet with your provider every 4–5 weeks to review your progress, monitor how you’re feeling, and discuss any necessary adjustments to your medication.
Medication Management
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With your clinician regularly monitoring your progress throughout your care, three out of four clients see major symptom improvement in less than three months.
Feel the results
01
Assessment
Initial
Connect with your provider via online video conference to talk about your concerns, discuss your goals, and receive a comprehensive clinical diagnosis.
Support at every step, so the next one is easier.
Client satisfaction isn't just a goal - it's what drives every decision we make.
Frequently asked questions
Are all clinicians fully qualified and accredited?
All of Nuvirtis' clinical team are professionally qualified, highly experienced and hold active registration status with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) & the British Psychological Society (BPS) and other prestigious accreditive bodies.
Each member of our clinical team have been chosen specifically for excellence in their field, guaranteeing that you'll receive skilled, trustworthy care throughout your assessment journey.
How do virtual and in-person assessments differ?
Online diagnostic assessments are similar to in-person evaluations, but they happen over video calls rather than in a clinic. One of the great things about virtual assessments is that you or your child can take part from a familiar, comfortable setting. This means you avoid the stress of traveling and spending time in an unfamiliar place.
Do I need a referral from my GP for an assessment/treatment?
No, a GP referral isn't required. You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment at any time.
Does the HSE recognize my assessment?
Your assessment results are officially accepted across all Irish healthcare, social & educational networks, opening doors to the full range of services, assistance, and adjustments you're entitled to.
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